Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Feargal Quinn's call for a debate on third level education before the summer. I flagged this issue with the Leader two days ago. The proposed reorganisation of third level education is big news, involving the creation of three new technological universities. I bow to all those who have worked very hard in making the case for Waterford Institute of Technology. They are not quite over the line, but there is a plan in place to achieve their objective. The formation of regional clusters between universities and stronger institutes of technology will facilitate the development of centres of excellence which can offer enhanced student outcomes. That will allow us to punch harder as a country. At the same time, however, we must accept that it will not be possible to offer every possible course in every institution. We will have to give up something. I am the mother of a student who is sitting the leaving certificate examination next week. I would like my child's desired course to be available in Galway but that might not be possible in the future. We cannot have it every way. I congratulate the Cabinet on finally coming to a decision, after the many years during which the issue was kicked down the road. Likewise, I congratulate the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, for bringing it to the fore. We have a great deal of important legislation to deal with before the summer recess, but I ask the Leader to prioritise a debate on this subject.